In a society where genuine relationships are built on trust, being betrayed by a “backstabber” can be one of the most agonizing experiences in life. The Bible offers a profound mirror for the sorrow of being duped by people closest to us, rather than avoiding this terrible reality. Scripture depicts the complexity of human treachery, from the whispered slanders in David’s royal courts to the final kiss of betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Bible verses regarding backstabbers provide a spiritual viewpoint on how to deal with the ensuing brokenness, in addition to validating the severe emotional traumas brought on by disloyalty.
According to the scriptures, backstabbing is a spiritual problem that stems from dishonesty, arrogance, and a lack of integrity rather than merely a social faux pas. Whether they are referred to as “whisperers,” “slanderers,” or “deceitful workers,” people who work covertly to harm others are constantly forewarned about the spiritual repercussions of their behavior.
These words tell us that God knows the heart clearly, even if human allegiance can be erratic and motivations can be concealed under façades of friendship. By studying these verses, Christians learn about the “anatomy of betrayal,” how to spot the telltale symptoms of a double-minded individual, and how to rely on God’s unfailing faithfulness.
In the end, the biblical discussion of backstabbing is to guide the offender toward repentance and the sufferer toward healing. The Bible promotes a road of discernment, boundaries, and ultimate dependence on God as our Defender rather than a cycle of revenge and resentment. These verses serve as a reminder that we are never really abandoned, even when people we trust turn against us. We can find the calm that comes from knowing that our identity is protected by the One who will never abandon us, the grace to move on without bearing the burden of others’ betrayal, and the strength to forgive without becoming foolish by reflecting on these truths.
40 Inspiring Bible Verses About Backstabbers (2026)
1. Psalm 55:12-14
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God.”
King David captures the precise agony of the backstabbing experience: the element of surprise and proximity. This verse teaches us that the deepest wounds do not come from strangers, but from those who shared our “sweet fellowship.” It validates the feeling that betrayal is uniquely difficult to “endure” because it involves a breach of shared history and spiritual intimacy. It reminds us that even great leaders in the Bible faced the sting of disloyalty from within their inner circle.
2. Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Backstabbing is often executed through the medium of the “whisper”—the secret conversation designed to erode trust. This verse identifies the “perverse person” not by their outward appearance, but by their fruit: the destruction of relationships. It teaches us to be wary of those who bring reports that create distance between us and others. It serves as a warning that a backstabber’s primary weapon is the strategic use of information to dismantle a “close friendship” for their own gain or out of sheer malice.
3. Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
This verse, which Jesus later quoted regarding Judas Iscariot, highlights the betrayal of the “shared table.” In biblical culture, eating together was a sacred covenant of peace; to “turn against” someone after sharing their bread was the height of treachery. This scripture teaches us that backstabbing is a violation of the laws of hospitality and trust. It reminds us that we are in good company when we feel betrayed, as even the Savior experienced the heartbreak of a friend turning into an adversary.
4. Proverbs 26:24-26
“Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.”
This passage provides a psychological profile of the backstabber: the “disguise” of charming speech. It warns us that a person’s public flattery can often be a cover for private malice. This verse teaches us the importance of discernment; we should not be swayed by “charming” words alone but should look for consistency in character. It reveals that backstabbing is a calculated effort—a heart filled with “abominations” hiding behind a mask of kindness.
5. Psalm 120:2
“Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.”
This simple prayer serves as a shield for those currently under attack by backstabbers. It acknowledges that we cannot always protect our own reputations or stop the lies of others. This verse teaches us to make God our first line of defense. Instead of engaging in a “war of words” with the backstabber, we appeal to the “God of Truth.” It shifts our focus from the person hurting us to the God who has the power to silence deceit and vindicate the innocent.
6. Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse draws a sharp contrast between the “faithful wounds” of a true friend and the deceptive affection of a backstabber. While a real friend may hurt our feelings by telling us a difficult truth to our face, a backstabber “multiplies kisses”—showering us with excessive, fake affection while planning our downfall. This teaches us that true loyalty isn’t found in constant praise, but in honesty. We should be cautious of those whose public devotion seems performative or overly sweet, as it may be a smokescreen for private betrayal.
7. Psalm 35:11-12
“Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved.”
Backstabbing often involves “false witnesses” who fabricate stories or twist facts to make the innocent look guilty. David describes the feeling of being “bereaved,” or experiencing a sense of deep loss, when someone he helped suddenly turns against him. This verse teaches us that backstabbing is fundamentally an act of ingratitude. It validates the shock we feel when someone we have been “good” to repays that kindness with “evil.” It reminds us that even when we do everything right, others may still choose to be deceitful.
8. Jeremiah 9:4-5
“Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth.”
In this intense passage, the prophet Jeremiah warns of a culture where betrayal has become the norm. He describes a society where even “clan” or family members cannot be trusted because “slander” has replaced truth. This verse teaches us that backstabbing can become a systemic habit within groups. It serves as a sobering reminder to use discernment and to place our ultimate trust in God rather than in human alliances, which can be corrupted by the “deceiver” spirit.
9. Matthew 26:48-49
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him.”
The kiss of Judas is the most famous act of backstabbing in history. It represents the ultimate perversion of intimacy—using a sign of love (a kiss) to facilitate an arrest. This verse teaches us that a backstabber will often use the language and gestures of “respect” (calling Jesus “Rabbi”) right at the moment of betrayal. It warns us that we should look past religious or formal titles and focus on the fruit of a person’s actions. Jesus’ response also shows that a backstabber’s actions, while painful, cannot thwart God’s ultimate plan.
10. Psalm 101:5
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
This verse reveals God’s active stance against those who backstab or “slander in secret.” It connects the act of backstabbing to the sins of “haughty eyes” and a “proud heart,” suggesting that people betray others because they feel superior or want to climb higher. This verse teaches us that God is the ultimate Protector of the slandered. We don’t have to defend ourselves frantically; God promises that He “will not tolerate” the arrogant deceiver and will eventually silence the secret lies told about His people.
11. Psalm 109:4
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”
This verse provides a powerful template for responding to a backstabber’s accusations. David reveals that while his “friends” were busy building a case against him in the shadows, he was busy building his case before the throne of God. This teaches us that the best antidote to betrayal is not a counter-attack, but a commitment to prayer. By becoming “a person of prayer,” we hand the situation over to a higher court, refusing to allow the backstabber’s malice to dictate our spiritual state or our reactions.
12. Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
The Bible does not mince words when it comes to the character of a backstabber; it labels them a “fool.” This verse exposes the two-step process of backstabbing: first, “concealing hatred” behind a friendly face, and second, “spreading slander” behind a person’s back. This teaches us that backstabbing is not a sign of intelligence or social savvy, but of spiritual foolishness. It reminds us that no matter how “successful” a slanderer may seem at damaging a reputation, they are ultimately building their own life on a foundation of lies that will not stand.
13. Obadiah 1:7
“All your allies will force you to the border; your friends will deceive and overpower you; those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, but you will not detect it.”
This prophecy against Edom describes the “boomerang effect” of betrayal. Those who live by treachery often find themselves the victims of it. This verse teaches us that backstabbing creates an environment of distrust that eventually consumes the betrayer. It warns that those who “set traps” for others are often caught in the very traps set by their own “allies.” It is a sobering reminder that there is no true security in relationships built on deceit.
14. 2 Timothy 3:2-4
“People will be lovers of themselves… ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous… treacherous, rash, conceited.”
In Paul’s description of the “last days,” he includes “treacherous” and “slanderous” as key signs of a decaying society. This verse teaches us that backstabbing is a symptom of a heart that has become “a lover of self.” When someone is conceited and ungrateful, they view other people as tools to be used or obstacles to be removed. It helps us understand that a backstabber’s behavior is often part of a larger pattern of spiritual brokenness and self-idolatry.
15. Psalm 7:15-16
“Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.”
This scripture outlines the divine law of reciprocity regarding backstabbing. The “hole” dug in secret for another person eventually becomes the betrayer’s own grave. This verse teaches us that God’s justice is often poetic; the very “trouble” a backstabber creates for you is destined to “recoil” on them. It encourages the victim to stay out of the way and let God handle the consequences, trusting that the “pit” of betrayal has a way of claiming its own creator.
16. Proverbs 25:9-10
“If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will never be cleared.”
Backstabbing often involves the weaponization of secrets. We share something in confidence, only for the “backstabber” to use it as leverage during a conflict. This verse teaches us that betraying a confidence is a stain on the betrayer’s reputation, not just the victim’s. It warns that once you are known as someone who leaks private information, you incur a “shame” that is difficult to wash away. It encourages us to be vault-like with the secrets of others, even when we are at odds with them.
17. Psalm 37:12-13
“The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”
When we realize someone is plotting behind our backs, our natural reaction is panic or defensive anger. However, this verse gives us a “heavenly perspective.” It teaches us that God is not worried about the secret schemes of backstabbers. He “laughs” because He sees the end of the story—the moment where their plots fail and justice prevails. It invites us to rest in God’s sovereignty, knowing that no secret plot can override God’s public blessing on our lives.
18. Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This is a preventative verse for avoiding backstabbers. Often, people who are “hot-tempered” or “easily angered” are the first to turn on their friends when they feel slighted. This verse teaches us that we become like the people we spend time with. If we associate with those who lack self-control or who habitually speak ill of others, we will eventually “learn their ways” and find ourselves trapped in the same toxic cycles. Choosing the right circle is our best defense against betrayal.
19. Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This is one of Jesus’ most practical teachings on boundaries. “Pearls” represent our deep thoughts, vulnerabilities, and precious dreams. This verse teaches us that not everyone is worthy of our intimacy. A backstabber is someone who takes your “pearls” and “tears you to pieces” with them. It encourages us to be discerning with our trust—recognizing that “casting pearls” before those who don’t value our character will only lead to our own harm.
20. Romans 16:17-18
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Paul warns the church about “smooth talkers” who create division. This is the classic profile of a workplace or church backstabber—someone who uses “flattery” to gain a foothold but intends to “cause divisions.” This verse teaches us that we must not be “naive.” We are called to “watch out” and be alert. It reminds us that unity is a precious commodity and those who work secretly to undermine it are not serving Christ, but their own interests.
21. Psalm 27:2
“When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.”
This verse describes the aggressive nature of backstabbing as an attempt to “devour” one’s reputation or peace. However, it provides a powerful promise of divine intervention. It teaches us that the momentum of a backstabber is self-defeating; their very “advance” leads to their own stumbling. When we feel under attack by secret schemes, we can find comfort in the fact that God’s protection acts as a spiritual barrier that causes the betrayer’s plans to collapse under their own weight.
22. Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Backstabbing is often sustained by “repeating the matter”—taking a private disagreement and broadcasting it to others to gain sympathy or turn people against an individual. This verse teaches us that the hallmark of a true friend is the ability to “cover” a mistake with grace. In contrast, the backstabber uses “repetition” as a tool for isolation. It reminds us that our choice to either protect or expose someone’s flaws reveals whether we are operating in love or in treachery.
23. Psalm 31:13
“For I hear many whispering, ‘Terror on every side!’ They conspire against me and plot to take my life.”
David expresses the psychological toll of “whispering”—the hushed conversations that create a sense of “terror” and unease. Backstabbing creates a climate of paranoia where the victim feels surrounded by invisible threats. This verse teaches us that God understands the anxiety caused by social conspiracies. By documenting this experience, the Bible validates our feelings when we realize people are “plotting” against us, inviting us to bring that specific fear to the Lord for His peace.
24. Exodus 23:1
“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”
This commandment strikes at the core of the backstabber’s methodology: the “false report.” It teaches us that we have a moral obligation not to be the “audience” for a backstabber. By refusing to “help” a malicious witness through listening or participating, we cut off the oxygen that backstabbing requires to survive. This verse is a call to communal integrity, reminding us that being a passive listener to a backstabber is just as damaging as being the one who started the lie.
25. Psalm 64:2-4
“Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their cruel words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent.”
This passage uses the imagery of “ambush” and “archery” to describe the stealthy nature of backstabbing. The “deadly arrows” are cruel words launched from a place of hiding where the victim cannot defend themselves. This verse teaches us that backstabbing is a form of spiritual and social “assassination.” It encourages us to pray for God to “hide” us—to provide a refuge where the “arrows” of slander cannot reach our spirit or destroy our destiny.
26. Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse draws a clear line between the character of a backstabber and that of a person of integrity. The “gossip” is someone whose primary currency is information; they cannot resist the urge to trade a friend’s secret for social attention. This teaches us that trustworthiness is a quiet virtue. While the backstabber is noisy and revealing, the person of God is a “safe harbor” for others. It encourages us to cultivate the habit of confidentiality, proving ourselves to be the opposite of the treacherous people we may have encountered.
27. Psalm 10:7-8
“His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent.”
The Bible frequently uses “ambush” imagery to describe the cowardice of a backstabber. They don’t confront you in the light; they wait for a moment of vulnerability to “murder” your reputation. This verse teaches us that backstabbing is a form of character assassination. It reminds us that God sees the “trouble and evil” hidden under the tongue. Even when the world believes the “lying lips,” God knows exactly where the ambush was set and who the true victim is.
28. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Perhaps the most difficult command regarding backstabbers is to “pray for them.” When someone has whispered against us or betrayed our trust, our instinct is to retaliate. However, Jesus teaches that we must break the cycle of malice. This verse doesn’t mean we have to remain in a toxic friendship, but it does mean we release the person to God. Praying for a backstabber prevents their bitterness from taking root in our hearts, ensuring that their treachery doesn’t turn us into someone we don’t recognize.
29. Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This is a very practical piece of biblical advice for self-preservation. A person who “talks too much” about everyone else will eventually talk too much about you. This verse teaches us that backstabbing is often a personality trait. By observing how someone treats others’ secrets, we can predict how they will treat ours. It provides a simple, actionable boundary: when you spot a chronic gossip, “avoid” them. Discretion is often the best defense against future betrayal.
30. Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.”
This is the ultimate promise of vindication. Backstabbing is a “weapon” forged in the dark—a “tongue that accuses” in secret. God promises that these weapons will not “prevail” in the long run. This verse teaches us that our reputation is ultimately in God’s hands. As servants of the Lord, our “heritage” is the assurance that truth will outlive any lie. We don’t have to fight every battle on social media or in the grapevine; God Himself will refute the false accusations at the right time.
31. Luke 6:28
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Backstabbing is a form of “mistreatment” that often leaves us wanting to hurl curses back at our accusers. However, Jesus introduces a radical, kingdom-level response: blessing. This verse teaches us that our words have power, and by choosing to “bless,” we refuse to be dragged down to the level of the backstabber. It isn’t about condoning their behavior, but about protecting our own spiritual atmosphere. When we pray for those who have stabbed us in the back, we invite God to deal with them while we remain in a posture of grace.
32. Psalm 37:5-6
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
When a backstabber tries to dim your light by spreading darkness in secret, God promises a public “sunrise” of truth. This verse teaches us that we don’t need to be our own PR agents. If we “commit our way” to God, He takes responsibility for our reputation. The “noonday sun” is the time when shadows are shortest and everything is seen clearly; God promises that eventually, the truth about your character will be so bright that no shadow of a lie can hide it.
33. Proverbs 26:2
“Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.”
A backstabber’s words are often like “curses”—malicious statements intended to bring you down. This verse provides immense comfort by explaining the “law of the landing.” If a curse is “undeserved”—if the things said about you are untrue—it has no place to land. It will just keep “fluttering” and “darting” until it eventually disappears. This teaches us that we don’t have to fear the lies told in secret, because if they aren’t rooted in truth, they cannot take root in our lives.
34. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Peter reminds us that our “calling” is to be different from the world. A backstabber deals in “insults” and “evil,” expecting you to respond in kind so they can justify their betrayal. By “repaying with blessing,” you disrupt their narrative. This verse teaches us that our inheritance—the good things God has for us—is tied to how we handle those who treat us poorly. We choose the “blessing” for our future over the “revenge” of our present.
35. Psalm 118:6-7
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.”
The final word on backstabbing is one of total confidence. Humans may whisper, plot, and betray, but they are “mere mortals.” This verse teaches us that having the Creator of the Universe as our “Helper” outweighs any social or professional damage a backstabber might attempt. It encourages us to shift our gaze from the “enemy” to the “Helper.” When God is with you, the backstabber becomes a footnote in a story of triumph rather than the author of your defeat.
36. Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
One of the most beautiful promises in Scripture is that God does not wait for your enemies to disappear before He blesses you. This verse teaches us that while backstabbers may be watching from the sidelines, God is publicly honoring you. To have a “table prepared” in their presence means that their attempts to starve you of your reputation or joy have failed. It is the ultimate divine “response” to betrayal: God’s abundant favor remains visible even when others try to undermine you.
37. Proverbs 18:8
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
This verse describes the “addictive” nature of backstabbing. To the one listening, gossip feels like a “choice morsel”—something delicious and satisfying. This teaches us why backstabbing is so prevalent; it feeds a dark curiosity in the human heart. However, because it goes to the “inmost parts,” it poisons the character of both the speaker and the listener. It serves as a warning to be careful what we “consume” in conversation, as the words of a backstabber are spiritually toxic.
38. Micah 7:5-7
“Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend… a man’s enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord.”
Micah speaks during a time of total social breakdown, where even family members were backstabbing one another. This verse teaches us the importance of “tempering” our expectations of people. While we are called to love, our ultimate “confidence” must be in God alone. When human trust fails at the highest level—within the home or the inner circle—we are encouraged to “watch in hope” for the Lord, who is the only friend who can never betray us.
39. Romans 12:19-20
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath… if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
This is the most counter-intuitive instruction for dealing with a backstabber. Instead of exposing them, we are told to meet their needs. This verse teaches us that “leaving room for God” is an act of faith. When we try to take our own revenge, we “crowd out” God’s justice. By being kind to a backstabber, we maintain our own righteousness and allow God to handle the discipline in His perfect timing and way.
40. Psalm 119:165
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
The final defense against a backstabber is a heart so anchored in God’s Word that it becomes “unstumbleable.” People may lie, friends may walk away, and coworkers may plot, but “great peace” is available to those who prioritize God’s truth over human opinion. This verse teaches us that the ultimate victory over a backstabber is to remain unshakeable. When their words no longer have the power to knock you off your path, you have truly conquered the spirit of betrayal.
Conclusion
In summary, the biblical examination of backstabbing offers a road toward spiritual healing while also recognizing the profound trauma of betrayal. Scripture tells us that the pain of a friend’s betrayal might affect even the most devoted followers of God, like Jesus. Studying these passages teaches us that a person’s treachery is more a reflection of their inner nature than of our own value. God reminds us that although human devotion may break, His commitment to our well-being is absolute and unwavering, encouraging us to transition from the loneliness of victimhood into the safety of His protection.
Understanding what the Bible says about backstabbers ultimately aims to protect our own hearts from being hardened by the deeds of others. Setting limits and identifying the “whisperers” among us is prudent, but we are called to a higher standard of response—one that puts forgiveness first and lets the Righteous Judge handle justice. As we rely on these scriptures, we find the wisdom to choose our inner circle more wisely, the grace to forgive the debt of betrayal, and the serenity that comes from understanding that no weapon created against our reputation will ever succeed in the light of God’s truth.
